Mark Cavendish took victory in stage six of Tirreno-Adriatico after a late crash left the Manxman largely unopposed in the final sprint.

The pile-up ruled sprint rival Andre Greipel out of contention, as Cavendish's Omega Pharma-Quick Step team dictated the latter stages and propelled their man to the win.

Alessandro Petacchi was a distant second with Peter Sagan finishing third as the race journeyed from Bucchianico to Porto Sant'Elpidio.

"It would have been nice to sprint against Kittel [who had already been dropped] and Greipel", said Cavendish afterwards.

Alberto Contador retained his overall lead of two minutes and eight seconds over Nairo Quintana.

Cavendish, Sagan and Greipel are expected to compete for victory in Sunday's Milan-San Remo after the gruelling Pompeiana climb was removed following adverse weather - a route change which will benefit the sprinters.